Grand jury to investigate deputy’s fatal shooting of 23-year-old in Cass County

A Nebraska judge has ordered the impaneling of a grand jury to investigate the death of a 23-year-old, killed by a Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy in September.

District Judge Paul Koslund ordered the grand jury to convene on March 22nd to investigate the death of Austin Baier.

Baier was shot and killed by Deputy Tyler Rieff during a traffic stop in Louisville September 21st.

The grand jury will be comprised of 16 jurors and three alternates. State law requires grand juries to investigate any death at the hands of law enforcement or any death that occurs while the person is in custody.

Cass County Attorney Nathan Cox stated in a news release issued earlier that Rieff pulled Baier over due to reports he had been driving in a reckless manner around Louisville. Baier stopped, got out of his car, then charged Rieff while he got out of his patrol car. Rieff shouted commands, which Baier ignored. Rieff fired five rounds out of his service weapon, fatally wounding Baier.

Investigators found a hunting knife on the dash of Baier’s car, but say it doesn’t appear any weapon was used or brandished by Baier during the incident.